A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Recognizing Rev. Dr. Donald C. Simmons, Jr. for his exemplary service to the State of South Dakota.

    WHEREAS, Dr. Simmons served as executive director of the South Dakota Humanities Council from 2001-2006, founded the South Dakota Center for the Book and its signature event the South Dakota Festival of Books, and served as the founding full-time director of the George McGovern Center for Public Service and Leadership and the McGovern Legacy Museum from 2006-2013; and

    WHEREAS, Dr. Simmons was twice elected city councilman by the citizens of Egan and
was appointed by Governor Rounds and Governor Daugaard to serve on the South Dakota Board of Nursing and the State Historical Society Board of Trustees; and

    WHEREAS, Dr. Simmons produced the film Hungry for Green, which aired nationally on public television, and is a prolific writer, including publishing poetry in South Dakota Magazine and Pasque Petals, the official literary magazine of the South Dakota Poetry Society, and with Dr. Jon Lauck and Dr. John Miller, published two volumes of edited books on South Dakota political culture titled The Plains Political Tradition; and

    WHEREAS, Dr. Simmons attended Sioux Falls Seminary, holds a Certificate of Ministry from Baylor University, and now serves as a United Methodist pastor, and previously served as Dean of Public Service and Leadership at Dakota Wesleyan University, full-professor, department chairman, and assistant baseball coach; and

    WHEREAS, Dr. Simmons has mentored many public servants across South Dakota while teaching at Dakota Wesleyan University, University of Sioux Falls, and South Dakota State University, including members and staff of this legislative body:

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Second Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Rev. Dr. Donald C. Simmons, Jr. be commemorated for his service to, and promotion of, the people and culture of South Dakota.